AmEx Platinum Helps out my CONUS Family Member

Forget getting a AAA membership, AmEx Platinum will bail you out on the road:

When I got my AmEx Platinum I added my entire family as authorized users. I had my wife, mom, brother, and I would put my baby on too if I could (they must be 15 to have an AmEx Platinum). I did this because each authorized user gets a Priority Pass Select card, $100 for Global Entry, a boingo wifi account, access to all the AirSpace and Centurion Lounges, and then they can each participate in the many random AmEx offers per account. The annual fee for the Platinum Card is $450. For up to three Additional Platinum Cards, the annual fee is another $175. Each Additional Platinum Card after the first three Cards is $175. But all these additional fees are waived for Service Members. If your worried about your family members bankrupting you, you can set a cap on how much each card can spend online:

When my brother’s car broke down he was fortunate enough to have his AmEx Platinum with him, and this card comes with Premium Roadside assistance. He called the card services and had a tow truck within an hour. Not only did they come quickly, they covered the towing charge as well. The terms of this service is:

Premium Roadside Assistance provides the following services at no additional cost up to 4 times per calendar year when Card Member is present with the eligible vehicle: towing up to 10 miles, winching, jump starts, flat tire change when Card Member has a workable spare, lockout service when key is in vehicle and delivery of up to 2 gallons of fuel. Card Member will be charged for the costs of towing in excess of 10 miles and any other additional services. Coverage is available in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

So even all the way here in Okinawa I can help a literal brother out. This benefit comes free for all AmEx Platinum card holders, which is free for service members! And that makes it infinitely cheaper than a membership with AAA which is $56 a year for Wisconsin Residents. Also the terms are much worse for AAA:

Classic membership gives you the #1-rated emergency road service in the nation which starts with five miles of free towing. Classic membership provides you up to four service calls per membership year. You also enjoy great, everyday savings with the largest member discount program in the world.

Classic membership benefits include:

Up to 5 miles of towing

Car Travel Interruption up to $600

Vehicle Locksmith up to $50

Free Mobile Battery service

Fuel Service Delivery – you pay fuel

Bottom Line, just use AAA for your international driver’s license, and not their tow service. So if you are active duty get you whole family their own card and get the $625 fee waived. Hit me up if you need a referral!